IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2015
7 security mistakes made at trade shows
A former Israeli Defense expert who now heads a jewelry-focused security firm runs down the main missteps exhibitors make that lead to losses.
New York--A little more than a month from now, the industry will converge on Las Vegas for five days of buying and selling and, most likely, monetary losses due to stone swaps, snatch-and-grabs and case cutting.
Jewelers’ Security Alliance statistics show that in 2014, trade shows ranked behind only highways/streets and parking lots as the most frequent scenes for off-premises crimes last year--and those are just the losses that were reported to the JSA.
At a meeting held Thursday in New York, Itay Hendel, head of ISPS-USA Security Consultants LLC, a firm with offices in Israel and New York that does security training for the jewelry industry, used security footage shot in booths at trade shows worldwide and clips from local newscasts to highlight the main mistakes exhibitors and traveling salespeople make that lead to losses.
His overriding message to those who attended his lecture, which was sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., was this: Ultimately, exhibitors have to be the ones in control of what’s going on in their booths at all times, who’s coming in, who’s going out, and how they’re behaving when inside.
“It’s about control,” he said. “No one will step to our booth without our permission.”
1) Not watching smartphones carefully enough. Probably one of the biggest security conundrums confronting both retailers and exhibitors these days is the ubiquity of smartphones. People and their phones are seemingly inseparable --they use them to take pictures, text and share on social media constantly.
While Hendel said that exhibitors don’t need to ban the use of smartphones in their booth entirely, they need to watch people who have them in hand. It’s fine if they want to use the phone to take a picture of a stone but they don’t need to keep it in their hand while handling loose diamonds, he said. Hendel there have been a number of incidences at trade shows recently where the perpetrators used a smartphone to help them pull off a stone swap.
2) Letting surfaces get cluttered. Don’t let visitors to the booth, or to a retail store for that matter, clutter the table or the showcase with show maps, shopping bags or random pieces of paper. As Hendel showed in a video, thieves often use maps and the like to distract from theft, and jewelry easily can be slipped into shopping bags.
3) Thinking it’s just a coincidence.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
According to Hendel, “In our industry, nothing is by coincidence.” When traveling salespeople get a flat tire on the road, it’s more than likely because someone tampered with their vehicle. If someone spills water in front of the booth or shouts from another section of the trade show, it’s likely a tactic to distract and draw salespeople’s attention away from the jewelry so someone can snatch it.
4) Not controlling booth traffic. Hendel said exhibitors shouldn’t let people “just stand around” in their booth. If no one is available to offer that person one-on-one help, ask them to come back in 15 minutes. Don’t let visitors outnumber salespeople. Hendel also recommended appointing one person per booth to be in charge of security. “They don’t need to be focused on sales only,” Hendel said.
5) Not taking precautions with new clients. Have another salesperson there if a visitor to the booth is unknown to the business, and have one of the salespeople stand next to them. Also, ask this prospective new client for a business card.
6) Leaving the showcase unlocked, even for a second. This might seem like common sense, but thieves have snatched many an item from an open showcase. Open it, get what’s needed, lock it, and take the keys out and put them in your pocket, Hendel said.
7) Lacking an emergency communication plan. Pick a phrase like “It’s too hot” or “It’s too cold” to act as a secret message that alerts other employees in the booth to potential danger. Also, have phone numbers for the shipping company, insurance company and show security on hand.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
